Talk About Epping Spring 2016

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TALK ABOUT EPPING TOWN MAGAZINE

SPRING 2016

IN THIS ISSUE:

4th Epping Scouts, Christmas round up, Cricket Club, Community Gardening Project, Denys Favre, Epping ReUse, Epping Together, GirlGuiding, Illusions Dance Academy, St Margaret’s Hospital, 2016 Events

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The Mayor’s view

It was fantastic to see Epping High Street sparkle with the shops decorated, the Christmas trees lit up and the light curtain on St John’s Church tower, all of which helped to make the Christmas Market one of the best I can remember. It was great to see the community spirit of the hundreds of people that attended along with the many varied stalls, the jazz band, magician, santa’s grotto at the fire station and much more. The biggest cheers, however, were reserved for the school choirs.

It was my privilege to open both St John’s Church Christmas Tree Festival and the Christmas Market, then switch on the light curtain on the Church. I presented the Audrey Rose cup to the best dressed Christmas window which this year was won by The Beauty, Skin & Eyelash Lounge in Station Road. Well deserved runners up were Argus Lighting and Lan Naa Thai restaurant. My thanks go to Gill, Bill and the team at Epping Town Council for organising such a great event.

There were 61 beautifully decorated trees in St John’s Church, but it was the Copped Hall tree designed by Victoria Robertson that was voted by you as the winner.

I am very lucky to have my Mayoral Christmas

card designed by our local school children and there were so many fabulous entries this year. The winner was Elliot Marshall, aged 8 from Epping Primary. Runners up Tilly Nelson, Katherine Garrett, Zoe Jackson and Holly Wootton had their designs on the back of my card and it was a great pleasure to present them with the certificates at their schools.

Other highlights of the festive season were Redwings Ada Cole carol concert and the nativity play at Chigwell Riding Trust, which was truly inspirational.

The brass band concert in St John’s Church helped get us all in the Christmas spirit, as did Rotary’s fantastic Carols on the Green and Father Christmas with his sleigh going round the streets. The town councillors also enjoyed helping serve Christmas lunches at Pelly Court.

In addition to the busy festive celebrations, the Town Council have been busy working on the Neighbourhood Plan, which we hope you will help us with and commented on many planning applications on behalf of the town.

We have been thinking about how to protect Epping when the police station closes and about the importance of our Remembrance Day Parade. It was wonderful to see so many of you at this very important event.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year. 2016 is going to be very exciting in Epping, with lots to look forward to.

Michael Wright

We hope you will now be familiar with Epping Together Your Town: Your Say. This is the name Epping Town Council have given to their Neighbourhood Planning process, as it is your town and we want you to have your say. The Neighbourhood Planning Advisory Committee is made up of five Epping Town Councillors and five resident stakeholders who meet regularly to develop the Neighbourhood Plan. Meetings are advertised on Epping Town Council’s website and are open to everyone. We have a real chance to influence planning policy and future development in Epping through Neighbourhood Planning but it must come from you.

You will notice a Household Questionnaire with this issue of Talk About Epping and we would be most grateful if you would take the time to fill it in and deposit it in one of the advertised collection points around the town. Your views will help us to shape planning policies that will affect us all. You can also complete it online by visiting our website: www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk (under Neighbourhood Planning). Your comments will be analysed to help us move towards the next stages of the plan. We will keep you informed of progress. Thank you in advance for your help.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT - BY PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, NIGEL AVEY In terms of planning applications, 2015 was a busy year for the Planning Committee. We have reviewed 201 separate development proposals over the period and made recommendations to the District Council on each of them. Underlying any of the Committee’s decisions is a desire to preserve and enhance the Town’s unique character and also preserve the Green Belt which surrounds the Town. Whilst the majority of applications have been uncontentious enhancements to residents’ homes, the Committee has been faced with some challenges. For example, we have been keen to preserve the town’s stock of bungalows and the special nature of particular areas, such as The Orchards. The Committee has also sought to counter overdevelopment, for example, a trend for applications for the development of flats in areas where family houses are prevalent and the street scene would be adversely affected. A number of these issues may hopefully be addressed in the Neighbourhood Plan, the preparation of which is well underway.

Hopefully the Plan will enable the people of the Town to articulate a real vision of how they would like the Town to develop and what is and is not acceptable in such development.

Illusions Dance Academy

Illusions Dance Academy is a friendly, welcoming dance school that was established in October 2010 and is based in Epping and Loughton.

The school is run by qualified, professional and experienced ISTD teachers Stephanie Evans and Amy Jobling. Illusions offers classes in ISTD Modern, Tap and Ballet, Street Dance and the extremely popular preschool classes in Melody Bear Ballet and Tip Tap Toe and Groovy Moves for the under 5s. Classes start from ages 2 upwards and are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

All students are given the opportunity to take part in fun workshops, local events, perform in our exciting annual shows at professional theatres and to take academically recognised ISTD exams. If you want to book in for a FREE trial then please feel free to contact us. illusionsdanceacademy@yahoo.co.uk www.illusionsdanceacademy.co.uk

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4th Epping Scout Group

Over the last 65 years, generations of young people in Epping have benefited from Scouting with the 4th Epping Scout Group. Based at Stonards Hill Recreation Ground, the headquarters building has been in place since it was built by its members and supporters in 1965.

The land is owned by the Town Council who are keen supporters of the community benefits that Scouting brings to young people. Our current cohort of 60 young people are the latest of thousands who have enjoyed their time in Scouting here for over half a century.

The Group has three sections: the Woodland Beaver Colony for the younger boys and girls between the ages of 6-8, Ash Cub Scout Pack for the 8-10.5 year olds and Scout Troop for the 10.5 -14 year olds. All our sections are run by dedicated and hard working adult volunteers.

The leaders provide a very exciting programme of indoor and outdoor activities and we are fortunate to have Gilwell Park, the spiritual home of Scouting, so close by in Chingford.

As with many youth organisations, we have no problem getting young people involved, but we do have difficulty

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by David Allen - Group Scout Leader

getting adults to volunteer.

We currently have 6 appointed leaders with several occasional helpers and sectional assistants, but we desperately need more help to keep going for the coming generations.

Becoming a leader can be daunting but the Scout Association provides comprehensive training and support and you won’t be thrown in the deep end. I rejoined Scouting when my son was in Beavers many years ago.

I had enjoyed many happy years when Scouting was my boyhood hobby and it was great fun to get back into it.

We know that people’s time is precious but either as a leader or helper the investment we make in our town’s young people is well worth the time and effort.

Scouting is an integral part of our community and great fun for the young and the young at heart!

If your son or daughter would like to join or go on the waiting list, or you would like to find out more about giving something back and becoming a leader, we would love to hear from you.

In the first instance please contact Katie Clark on: fourtheppingscoutgroup@hotmail.com Or alternatively through our website: www.4theppingscouts.org

Epping Foresters Cricket Club

Epping Foresters Cricket Club was established in 1947 when a number of local families and friends, including several ex-servicemen, centred on the Epping Allnutts Institute, got together to play cricket as a wandering side, touring local villages. Within the next two years they had negotiated a licence from the Conservators of Epping Forest to play on Mill Plain near Bell Common, and had created their own playing space from swamp land. At that stage, they adopted the name Epping Foresters Cricket Club, and have continued to play on the present site ever since. Starting out, they used to change in a tent; later the members’ talents and funds combined to build a pavilion.

The Club developed through the 1960s but by the 1970s faced the devastating consequences of the M25 motorway being built right through the site. The Club was temporarily displaced for a period of 5 years during the early 1980s while the motorway was being constructed in a deep tunnel, and the ground was then reinstated by the Department for Transport. The Club struggled through this period but held together, reopening in its new clubhouse in 1986. From then on it has gone from strength to strength.

As we enter the 2016 season, the club is still thriving with two senior Saturday league teams playing in the

Herts and Essex league; the first XI in Division 2 having just missed out on promotion last season and the second XI in Division 6. We also have a senior Sunday team.

The Club has over 60 Colts’ members playing in U9, U10, U11, U13 and U15 age groups. A number of our Colts have been selected to play at West Essex District level and beyond and we are always keen to welcome new young players.

From April onwards, adult outdoor training is on Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Colts’ training on Fridays at 6 - 7:30pm, when the Clubhouse and bar are open, giving parents and families the chance to enjoy a drink and socialise while watching their children train with our great coaches.

Everyone is given a warm welcome, whether just coming to the Club on match days to enjoy watching a game of cricket in the idyllic surroundings, or joining us with a view to becoming a playing member.

Plans are already being made for the club’s 70th anniversary celebrations in 2017.

If you are interested in joining us as an adult player, or if you have a son or daughter interested in playing, then please contact us on efcccolts@outlook.com and visit our website: http://eppingforestercc.hitscricket.com/ default.aspx for more information about the Club.

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Denys Favre

Epping Town Council were delighted to talk to Denys Favre about his long and fascinating life in Epping, as he moves on to pastures new.

Denys Favre was born in Chingford in 1917. Life took him to Yorkshire where he married Nancy in 1964, before work bought him to Epping, somewhere he remembers very well as a child. In December, after 51 eventful years in the town and at the age of 98, Denys moved back to Yorkshire to be nearer his family.

In those 51 years, Denys made such an important contribution to Epping.

In the 1970s, Denys became interested in the fine, local Elizabethan mansion Hill Hall in Theydon Mount. Hill Hall was earmarked for development and Denys felt it his duty to act. The mansion was one of the first of its kind, which many later buildings were modelled on. To have lost it would have lost such an important part of history and Denys was determined that wasn’t going to happen.

He called upon an eminent figure from The Victorian Society, Sir Nikolaus Hill Hall Pevsner, meeting him at Epping station and escorting him to Hill Hall to explain its plight. Pevsner said that Hill Hall would be demolished ‘over his dead body’. He enthused the Environment Committee Chairman on the building’s history and the mansion was saved, restored and converted into apartments to pay for its safeguarding and upkeep.

It is now looked after by English Heritage. Hill Hall has been an important building throughout history, housing a mothers’ hospital, a womens’ prison and known for another famous visitor, Christine Keeler.

Naturally delighted by this outcome, he was ready for another challenge. Denys remembered Copped Hall from his childhood in Chingford, so when architect Alan Cox approached him concerning the future of Copped Hall as development loomed, Denys was ready to help.

Between them, they established the Copped Hall Trust to save the estate from international buyers, office developments, Copped Hall holiday complexes and interested people in Copped Hall’s magnificent history. The mansion, outbuildings and grounds were purchased by the Trust in 1995 and saved, after a nine-year campaign. There is now a large team of Friends and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make Copped Hall what it is today.

Back in 1997, Copped Hall was derelict. It had no roof and vegetation was growing through the brickwork.

Today the mansion is showing real signs of its former glory, with a roof, windows, the beginnings of the Grand Staircase and period furniture in some of the rooms.

Denys has been there since the beginning and there are lots of photos on display in the mansion showing his vital contribution, including Prince Charles’ visit in 2004.

Denys is Life President of the Copped Hall Trust and is still an active member of the operations.

In 1972, Denys founded the Epping Society; a society which was established for the protection of Epping.

The Epping Society’s motto is ‘Conserve Improve’ and Denys has always been at the heart of that philosophy, constantly thinking about the future of Epping and how current development will shape that future. Back in 1974, they campaigned against an extension to the M25 motorway cutting through part of Epping Forest, one of many campaigns he would be involved in with the group.

Some years later, they succeeded and Denys said: “The road would have swept over the forest. People like the Beverly Sisters and lots of people who loved the forest wrote to support us.”

At the age of 98, Denys is still concerned about the future of the Green Belt. His views are as forward thinking and informed as they were in 1972 and his direct contribution towards future campaigns in Epping will be very much missed.

Denys had so many phenomenal experiences during World War II. He was one of the first recruits to the Air Sea Rescue, which aimed to save the lives of pilots shot down by German gunners. One night, his ship was hit by a German torpedo and sunk. Denys found himself with a couple of colleagues, stranded in a lifeboat in the ocean, with a German navy skipper and his machine gone bearing down over them. The skipper chose not to fire and the lifeboat was later picked up. Denys later came upon a young German pilot in the sea, and just as his life had been saved, ordered that this young man should be saved under the law of the sea.

Ever keen to make a difference, Denys joined Epping Town Council in 1976 and was elected Town Mayor in 1980. Denys visited our twin town of Eppingen as Mayor and thoroughly enjoyed that special year. He met so many people, many of whom are still part of his life today.

Epping Town Council voted unanimously to honour Denys as a Freeman of Epping for all he has done and given to the town. There will be so many people delighted to see him receive that honour.

Denys may have moved away from the area, but his legacy will remain through his achievements, love of the town and many friends.

Denys entrusted Epping Town Council with many of his old Epping maps and photos, for which we are most grateful.

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Friends of St Margaret’s Hospital

2015 was another busy and productive year for the Friends of St Margaret’s Hospital. We’ve continued to fulfil the aim of this local charity since 1949: to support St Margaret’s by buying items which the NHS cannot supply - but which are much needed by staff and patients.

The main request received in 2015 was unusual. Fees for short training courses for individual specialist staff wishing to extend their expertise have been paid before by the Friends. But this was something different.

A training scheme which has already been given to many hospitals and care homes round the country, which would involve every professional level of St Margaret’s workforce.

It’s called The Butterfly Scheme and is devised by non-medical people who have had personal experience of the difficulties encountered when dementia or even temporary confusion is a problem for someone in hospital. The training is given by people who know how hard it can be to see a loved-one in this situation; it involves suggesting ways to change ways of speaking, questioning and interpreting patients’ needs and has now been put into practice very successfully in all areas of St Margaret’s Hospital Epping Forest Unit. The Friends of St Margaret’s are delighted - we feel that every penny of the £2000 fees for the scheme, donated through the generosity of our supporters in the community, has been well spent.

Another gift made has been an iPad and apps to be used by Speech and Language Therapists working with stroke patients on Beech Ward; these digital aids are tools to help patients regain speech, fine handling and swallowing skills. Again, this was felt to be an excellent way to spend the many donations and funds raised from events in Epping and locally.

At the end of November, our annual presentation of cash for Christmas gifts and festive cheer was made to the wards at St Margaret’s. The photographs include Friends’ Treasurer Jan Buckingham with Modern Matron Maria Owen, the ward sisters of Poplar and Beech wards and the Housekeeper of Plane Ward, and staff members for the wards in the Mental Health Unit. They welcomed us and assured us that once again the presents bought with the cash would be much appreciated; many patients who would still be in hospital at Christmas, some with no family visitors at all.

The support of so many people in Epping helps the Friends of St Margaret’s to support our local Hospital. We look forward to hosting guests to our two events in 2016; a Quiz on March 5th and Summer Lunch at Garnish Hall in August. We welcome offers by people willing to host other events. Please see our website: friendsofstmargarets.co.uk

New van for Epping Forest ReUse

The Mayor of Epping, Cllr Michael Wright, was one of the guests at the launch of Epping Forest ReUse’s new van along with Cllr John Aldridge, Vice-chairman of Essex County Council. A grant of £10,000 had been awarded by Essex County Council’s Community Initiatives Fund towards the £30,000 cost. Other guests were representatives of organisations which had helped to fund the van and other needs of Epping Forest ReUse. The charity provides good quality furniture and household appliances at affordable prices to the general public and at discounted prices to people on income related benefits. Some goods are provided free.

In 2014/15, Epping Forest ReUse helped 1,271 individuals/families in need and reused 177.5 tonnes of furniture. That’s 3,114 sets of a

dining table and four chairs!

Customers comment on the high quality of the goods and their attractive presentation. Goods are donated by the public and are collected free. Household appliances such as fridge/freezers, cookers and washing machines are always needed. These are tested and repaired if necessary and sold with a 6 months guarantee. A variety of other items are also available. If you haven't visited yet, do come. You are welcome to browse.

Epping Forest ReUse is near Epping Station on the Bower Hill Industrial Estate, Bower HIll, Epping, CM16 7BN and is open Monday to Friday 9.30-4.00, Saturday 9.30-12.30. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles. For more information or to donate goods phone 01992 578222.

HEALTH FORUM Are you interested in Health issues? If so, come to the Epping Forest Health Users Consultative Forum which meets quarterly at St Margaret’s Hospital. Guest speakers are invited on topical issues which affect local health services and members have the opportunity to contribute and raise questions. The practice manager from The Limes will be coming to a future meeting. The next meeting is on 7 March. For further information email George Howard at ghoward16@aol.com

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Christmas in Epping

Christmas Market - Friday 4th December 2015

The Christmas Market on Friday 4th December was a great success with dozens of stalls and a varied entertainment programme including a magician and Dixie Jazz Band.

We were delighted to be joined by so many of our school children who entertained us with carols throughout the afternoon. The lights came on later in the day to fill Epping with a little extra magic and sparkle. Epping Town Council provided the light curtain on St John’s Church Tower in addition to the lights in the trees and High Street. We had great fun switching them on at 4.50pm in between the market entertainment. Thanks to the weather for being so kind!

Thank you to everyone who took part in the day and to those who supported the stalls. It was great to see everyone come together and enjoy our lovely town.

Christmas Tree Festival - St John’s Church

The Annual Tree Festival at St John’s Church between the 4th and 7th December attracted many visitors with over 60 individually decorated trees and craft stalls.

Visitors were invited to vote on their favourite tree and the winner for 2015 was the tree decorated by Victoria Robertson for Copped Hall (right).

“Thank you very much to everyone who voted for my Copped Hall fairy tale tree,” said Victoria. “I was so pleasantly surprised to win the most votes at the festival and the best society tree, because my tree was so unique and very different. I enjoyed collecting the foliage and berries from the amazing gardens and designing it for Copped Hall. The feedback I have received has been wonderful and everyone at Copped Hall is very pleased too.”

Rev Geoffrey Connor left the busy festival and helped our Town Mayor Michael Wright switch on the Church Tower light curtain (above).

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Christmas in Epping

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Carols on the Green

Wendy Barritt, chairwoman of Carols on The Green 2015 for Rotary Club Of Epping, said: “We had a fantastic turnout as usual, from the people of Epping and surrounding areas, who gave very generously and all enjoyed the mince pies and mulled wine.

We raised £2,000 on the day, this money will be split and donations will go to the music departments of Epping St Johns School, our fantastic choir and band, along with donations to other local schools.

Rotary Club Of Epping look forward to seeing everyone at the same place next year.”

The Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition

Each year, our local schools are invited to design the Mayor’s Christmas card. We had lots of fabulous entries and the Mayor had trouble deciding. All the drawings were excellent, but our winner was Elliot Marshall, aged 8, from Epping Primary School.

Elliot’s drawing is the front of the card. Our four runner up drawings are on the back. Thank you to all the children who took part.

Winner Elliot Marshall, aged 8, from Epping Primary School and our four runners up were from Epping Primary and Coopersale & Theydon Garnon C of E Primary School (ages 5-11).

Audrey Rose Cup - Best Christmas Window

Each year, the Mayor invites the shops and businesses in Epping to compete for the Audrey Rose cup which commemorates the best Chistmas window display.

This year, Town Mayor Michael Wright chose The Beauty, Skin & Eyelash Lounge in Station Road as the winners (top right).

“It was a very difficult but enjoyable activity picking a winner. So many traders in Epping have entered into the spirit of the season to brighten up our Town and Epping looks really festive,” said the Mayor.

There were lots of great Christmas windows, but the two runners up were Argus Lighting (right with Humphrey Wheeler) and Lan Naa Thai (far right with restaurant owner Phetrin Snow).

Well done to the winners and thanks to everyone who took part.

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MONDAY MARKET Epping High Street

Don’t forget to support our Monday market. It’s cold out there and the traders get up very early to serve us.

Keep the market buzzing and make them happy!

PLAY IN THE PARK

The Town Council, in partnership with the District Council, are putting on some ‘Play in the Park’ sessions in the Easter and summer holidays where you can make use of some of the great public spaces in Epping. The sessions are free and open to all children (and parents) from ages five to thirteen. Younger siblings are of course welcome.

The sessions this year are: Easter holidays Monday 4th April: 1.30-3.30pm Summer holidays Wednesday 10th August: 1.30-3.30pm Monday 15th August: 10am to 12 noon Wednesday 24th August: 1.30-3.30pm All sessions this year are at Stonards Hill Recreation Ground.

THE BOX

The Box is an education centre, information point and social space for young people. It was begun as a leap of faith, after a real need was identified in the town for young people, and in May 2015 it celebrated its 10th anniversary. There have been a few changes and many highlights in that time, including a visit by then-Leader of the Opposition David Cameron, as well as increasing numbers of students being taught and services offered. It has had two locations in the High Street, and then in February 2015 moved into St John’s Church hall in St John’s Road, having refurbished it extensively and with great vision.

As well as offering a full-time education programme during the week, there are also open sessions after school, during which a counselling service is in great demand, and youth workers and volunteers offer games, craft, and cookery. With extended premises, the trustees are also able to offer community lettings to a wide range of local groups and services throughout the week.

As a local, independent charity, The Box relies heavily on the support of the community. The trustees were thrilled at the generous response made after the ‘leaflet drop’ last winter, which raised around £40,000 towards the refurbishment of the new premises.

We have also been fundraising this past year in Marks & Spencer, and at a flashmob at Christmas in Tesco, and all sorts of other events have been put on, including a Mystery Evening, a Children’s Clothing and Toy Sale and the Trust’s two Community Open Days.

DEFIBRILLATOR IN ST JOHN’S CHURCH

The Automatic Electric Defibrillator (AED) is located just inside the main entrance, on the left-hand side, on top of the cupboard. It is in a bright orange protective holder. It is available for anyone to use in the event of a collapse in which the person involved stops breathing. Once taken out of its holder, the AED should be activated by pressing the ON button. Once activated the AED will then provide voice prompts to guide the user through what to do, and how to use it safely and effectively.

No one should be worried about using the AED, as it can detect the presence of a heartbeat, and will not deliver a shock in those circumstances. The important thing that people should be aware of is that the use of an AED in the event of a heart attack significantly increases the chances of a successful outcome.

ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16 For a copy of the Annual Report, contact Epping Town Council 12:20 Page 3

TOWN MAYOR’S REPORT BY TOWN MAYOR MICHAEL WRIGHT COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE SUMMARY I would like to begin by thanking the people of Epping for electing me again as a Town Councillor and to my fellow councillors for electing me as Town Mayor. It has been a fantastic year which has passed all too quickly Corporate I have met so many interesting people from our local organisations who contribute to our town and help create Governance Advisory, Planning & the community spirit we all enjoy so much. Epping Town Council set up the Neighbourhood Planning Advisory Council Extraordinary and 2015/2016 General Committee which consists of councillors and resident stakeholders, to develop the Neighbourhood Plan for Neighbourhood Purposes Planning Epping. It has been most interesting to talk to people about their concerns and seeing these comments collated to inform the policies of the plan and as such, help shape the future of Epping. I was delighted to open Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned the Town Show, which was one of the many highlights of my year and accompany our MP Eleanor Laing round Avey, N 7 9 11 17 2 4 the side shows and fair. The arena events an entertainment were enjoyed by the hundreds of people that Baird, Mrs D 8 9 13 17 2 2 attended. It was on that day we said goodbye to Town Clerk, Alan Shaw, who was presented with a picture of Epping. We were pleased to be able to complete Ivy Chimneys Playground, providing a variety of new play Burrows, L 9 9 16 17 3 3 Deputy Town equipment, including a children’s shop and zip wire. The Town Council hosted a reception for our visitors from Mayor Church, A 7 9 12 17 2 4 Eppingen in September and my wife and I attended a dinner hosted by the Epping-Eppingen Association with some of my fellow councillors. We had a number of successful continental markets in the town and it was an Pegrum, H 7 9 (1) (17) 1 2 honour to open the Horticutural Society Show at St John’s Church and do a presentation at Slimming World.

Scruton, 8 9 14 17 3 4 Mrs B Other pleasures have been visits to the fire station, Ashlar House Care Home and a concert for the 80th birthday Scruton, G 9 9 16 17 3 3 celebrations of Epping Forest Band. Christmas is such an important time and being Mayor made it extra special Smith, J A 9 9 16 17 3 3 this year, with a nativity play at Chigwell Riding Trust and a carol concert at Ada Cole Memorial Stables amongst Spillman, D 8 9 15 17 2 2 my many treats. Epping and its High Street sparkled at Christmas, with scores of decorated shop windows Whitbread, 8 9 13 17 1 2 illuminated trees on the buildings, lights on the trees and a fantastic light curtain round St John’s Church.

Miss H It gave me great pleasure to open the Christmas Tree Festival, which was a real success with over 61 decorated Whitehouse, J 9 9 (2) (17) 0 2 trees and the Christmas Market, which filled Epping with magic and sparkle. Thank you to all those who attended Wright M D 9 9 14 17 4 5 Town Mayor and supported the varied stalls, magician, jazz band, Epping Forest Band and all our talented school choirs.

This happy community spirit is what Epping is all about. I think everyone was particularly moved by the Sunday PLANNING PAGE 2 some of the Numbers in brackets indicateREPORT: not a member of that Committee but has attended Remembrance Service, where so many people came along to support this important event. It was an honour to FINANCIAL SUMMARY: PAGE 12 lay a wreath on behalf of Epping Town Council at our war memorial, attend services at North Weald Airfield and read out the names of the fallen in St John’s Church. My wife Lorna and I have attended so many wonderful TALK ABOUT EPPING things during my Mayoral year and we have been made so welcome. I will host a Civic Event in April where I Please keep sending in your articles and have the opportunity to give my thanks. In conclusion, may I say a very big thank you to my fellow Town Councillors, Interim Town Clerk Beverley Rumsey and all the Town Council staff for making my year so enjoyable. cover pictures.

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EPPING TOWN SHOW 2016

Our annual Town Show at Stonards Hill Recreation Ground will take place on Sunday 3rd July 2016.

This is a great opportunity for Epping to come together and show off our local organisations and businesses. Stalls get booked up quite early, so get your request in early. We would love to see as many activities as possible, so think about running an activity (eg: story telling, or hair braiding on your stall).

Please check with us that your activity can be accommodated. Contact: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or 01992 579444

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ST GEORGE’S DAY COMPETITION Sat 23rd April 2016

Each year, the Town Council invite our shops and businesses to decorate their windows for St George’s Day. Shoppers have commented on the positive impact it has on the High Street and how much it makes the windows stand out.

The windows will be judged by the Mayor on St George’s Day and the winner and runners up will receive certificates and publicity. So please put the date in your diary and get planning now!

GIRLGUIDING - Epping & Theydon District

Girlguiding in the town continues to thrive, with one Rainbow Unit (age 5 – 6), four Brownie Packs (age 7 - 10), two Guide Units (age 10 – 14) and a Senior Section group (14+).

Guiding offers girls and adult volunteers a fantastic range of opportunities and activities, including overseas trips, and our Guide units are currently planning an international trip to one of the Girlguiding World Centres, Our Chalet in Switzerland, in 2017.

One of our leaders attended the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015, joining a team of 8000 adult volunteers from over 155 countries who made the Girl Guides at Christingle jamboree experience possible for the 33,000+ young people attending.

Closer to home, all of our units offer our members an exciting and varied programme, including indoor and outdoor activities and adventures. Units regularly go on camps, Pack Holidays and sleepovers, giving girls the opportunity to learn new skills, try out different activities and have a great time whilst doing so. We work on traditional programme activities such as Interest Badges, but these days the old favourites of Craft and Hostess are joined by World Issues, Science, Communicator, Computer, and Independent Living to name but a few. Girls are encouraged to explore the opportunities available to them as individuals and as members of Girlguiding.

In fact, Guiding is so popular today that we have long waiting lists for all units in the town, meaning that not all the young people who wish to experience what we offer will get the chance to do so. All it takes is a few more adult volunteers to help us achieve our aim of being able to offer Guiding to everyone who wants to take part. The opportunities and experiences offered to our leaders are just as fantastic as those we offer to the girls – new skills, new friends, new experiences, international travel opportunities – and it all looks great on your CV as well!

Guiding leaders are all volunteers, giving their time free of charge to the organisation and the girls in their care. And the fact that many of us have been doing this for many years now just shows how rewarding and how much fun it must be.

If you would like to join us and help us give the young girls in our town the chance to experience all that Guiding offers then visit https://enquiryv.girlguiding.org.uk/ and register your interest or register a girl on our waiting list, or email girlguidingefn@outlook.com to arrange an informal chat.

MICHAEL RIGELSFORD

Epping Town Council were very sad to learn of the sudden death of Michael Rigelsford on 14th October 2015.

Mike Rigelsford was first appointed a school governor at Epping St John’s School in 1988 and had worked with them continuously for almost 27 years, 13 of those as chairman. He led the campaign to build the new state-of-the-art secondary school, which was achieved in 2013 and a sixth form facility which opened in 2015.

Mike was also treasurer of the Epping Society, All Saints Church, Theydon Garnon, secretary of the Epping Forest ReUse charity and governor of Coopersale and Theydon Garnon

Primary School.

The Rev’d Geoffrey Connor, rector of Epping district team ministry, said: “Mike was a man of scrupulous honesty and deep integrity. He gave exemplary service to the school and forged close links between the church and the school.

He was a decent and lovely man who touched the hearts of so many of us in different and deep ways. We shall miss his friendship, humour and Christian faith which was at the heart of all he did.”

There have been so many tributes to Michael, who voluntarily dedicated much of his life for the benefit of others.

He will be missed not only for all his amazing service to the community, but also for so many, as a friend.

TAE Spring 2016 issue Final issue.qxp_Talk 26/01/2016 15:53 Page 10

10 TALK ABOUT EPPING

What‘s On

Epping Hall

Mondays: Tai Chi, 10.30am-12.30pm Mondays: Kumon Classes, 3.00pm-5.00pm Tuesdays: Ageing Well With Vivianne, 10.30am-12.30pm Tuesdays: Kumon Classes, 3.00pm-6.00pm Tuesdays: Ceroc Dance Classes, 7.30pm-10.30pm Wednesdays: Football Fundamentals, 9.30am-11.30am Wednesdays: (term time only), Junior Karate Classes, 4.00pm-6.00pm Wednesdays: Senior Karate Classes, 7.30pm-9.00pm Wednesdays: (2nd in month), Epping WI Meeting, 2.00pm-4.00pm Thursdays: (alternate), New Horizons Tea Dance, 1.30pm-4.30pm Thursdays: Tae Kwon Do, 8.00pm-9.00pm Fridays: Weightwatchers, 9.30am-10.30am Fridays: Kumon Classes, 3.45pm-4.45pm Jack Silley Pavilion

Mondays: Baby Ballet, 9.30am-12 noon Mondays: (term time only) Jo Jingles, 9.45am-11.45am Mondays: Dance Classes, 4pm-6.15pm Tuesdays: Pre-School Dance Classes, 1.00pm-3.00pm Tuesdays: Voluntary Action Craft Group, 1.30pm-4.15pm Tuesdays: Dog Training, from 7.00pm Wednesdays: (Autumn and Spring), WEA Lectures 10.00am-12 noon Wednesdays: (term time only), Art Classes, 10.00am-12 noon Wednesdays: Baby Ballet, 1.30pm-4.15pm Thursdays: Songbirds 0-5 yrs Music Group.

Email Sophia. songbirdsmusicgroup@gmail.com Thursdays: Dog Training, from 7.00pm Fridays: U3A Painting Session, 10.00am-12 noon Fridays: (term time only), Children’s Dance Classes, 3.45pm-6.45pm Saturdays: (term time only), Children’s Dance Classes, 9.00am to 1.30pm Saturdays: Baby Ballet, 9.15am-11.15am Every Saturday and Monday at 1.30pm: Petanque (Boules) at Stonards Hill. Light exercise, fun and sociable. Peter Lumb: 01992 571744 Other Venues

• Mondays: 10am-12 noon: Market day coffee at St John’s Church • Mondays: Yoga, 6pm-7.30pm, United Reformed Church, Lindsey Street, Epping.

Call Dorothy on 01992 574623 • Mondays: 7.45pm-9 pm, Epping Bell Ringers, St John’s Church. Contact Jane Walters on 01992 767873. If interested in learning to ring please join us.

• 1st Monday of the month: Epping Art Society, 7.30pm-10pm, Pelly Court, Hemnall Street. (Art practical.)

• Mondays — 10am-12 noon Essex Savers Credit Union at Epping Library.

• 2nd Monday of the month: (not Jan & Aug, 1st Monday of the month in Dec), West Essex Flower Club, Thornwood Village Hall at 1.45pm. For details 01992 577036 • 3rd Monday of alternate months: Coopersale Horticultural Society Speakers night (except Sept) at 8pm, Coopersale Village Hall, Institute Road.

• Tuesdays: 7pm-8.30pm, Theydon Garnon Scouts, The Scout Headquarters, Fluxs Lane, Epping CM16 7PE. Email: theydongarnonscoutgroup@yahoo.co.uk or call Richard on 07724 156595 • Tuesdays: 7.30pm, Rotary Club of Epping Forest, The Garnon Bushes, Coopersale. New members welcome, please call 07973 303899 (Mark Harvey).

• 2nd Tuesday of month: 2pm-4pm, Epping Stroke Club, United Reformed Church Hall, Lindsey St, Epping.

• Wednesdays: 11am-3pm, Parkinson Disease Society Harlow & District. David Livingstone Club, Potter Street. CM17 9AE. New members welcome, call Corinne Hall on 07982 094194 • Wednesdays: 6pm-7.30pm, Theydon Garnon Beaver Scouts, The Scout Headquarters, Fluxs Lane, Epping, CM16 7PE. Contact details above.

• 2nd Wednesday of the month: Epping Art Society, 8pm-10pm, Pelly Court, Hemnall Street. (Art appreciation.)

• 4th Wednesday of month: (Not Dec & Jan); Royal British Legion Women’s Section, Pelly Court, Hemnall Street, details 01992 572677 • Thursdays: 11am to 1pm in Epping, Ikebana Study Group (flower arranging) contact Martine Gracey 01992 571839 for details.

• Thursdays: 5.30pm and 7.30pm; Slimming World, Quakers Meeting Hall, Hemnall Street, Epping, CM16 4LL. Contact Kelly 07817 233042 and Slimming World Epping (Facebook).

• Thursdays: 2pm-4pm, Pelly Court, Hemnall Street, Evergreen Club. New members welcome, contact June O’Brien on 01992 573385 • Fridays: 7.30-9.30pm, Epping Eagle Explorers, (Scouts address above).

Dave Ward: eppingeaglesesu@hotmail.com • Saturdays: 10am-12 noon: Coffee mornings, Epping Methodist Church Hall.

• Every Weds, Thurs, Sat & Sun: West Essex Ramblers. This friendly rambling group has led walks from various locations.

Sorry, no dogs. For a sample programme, call 020 8502 1628. www.westessexramblers.org.uk

ITA IT TA TALIA ALI ALIA LIA LIA I IN IN PIAZZA IA A ZA AZZ Z th he real rea re al al Ita Ital ali llian ia an n Food ood M Mark ark ket et EP PPING G HIGH H STR REET Saturday y 20th February e y m From o 9am

Lindsey Ladies Lindsey Ladies meet on the first Tuesday of the month at The United Reform Church, Lindsey Street at 1.30pm. Contact Toni Frost on 01992 576195.

Visitors and new members welcome.

4th Epping Scouts: Mondays (term time), 4th Epping ASH Pack cubs 7pm-8.30pm.

Age group 8-10.5 years.

Tuesdays (term time), 4th Epping Woodland Beavers 6pm-7pm.

Age group 6 to 8 years.

Fridays (term time), 4th Epping Scout Troop Monthly 7.30-9.30pm. Age Group • Every 3rd Sunday: 10.15am: Copped Hall 10.5-14.5 years.

Guided Tours.

Adult help required for • Monthly every 2nd Sunday: Conservation Day, Friends of Swaines Green. each group and to join, 10.30am, the recreation ground, Lower Swaines contact us on • ProActive meets at St Margarets Hospital, www.4th please phone 07747 374692 or see eppingscouts.org www.proactive.me.uk for details • Epping Railway Circle meet on the third Monday of the month at Theydon Bois Village Hall, for details call 020 8508 1764 or see www.eppingrailwaycircle.com

If your details have changed, please email: info@ eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk to advise us

TAE Spring 2016 issue Final issue.qxp_Talk 26/01/2016 15:53 Page 11

POETRY CORNER

We recently received a lovely poem from a local lady who enjoys watching the school children walking to school in their winter attire.

This poem has inspired us to invite any Epping residents, both children and adults, to send in any poems or thoughts for the day.

We are lucky to live in the middle of Epping Forest, with so many things to inspire, so if you’d like to see your poem or thought in print, send it to us for consideration at info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

A Festival of Children

Come 8.30 until 9 o’clock, a stream of children going to school, some on foot, some on scooters, it is a cold morning and little legs are running.

There is a wonderful variety of woolly hats and scarves and faces tucked into warm jacket collars.

I try not to miss this each morning as I watch from my window.

Such delight.

By Mrs Iris Morrison

TALK ABOUT EPPING 11

GRANTS AWARDED

Over the 2015/16 financial year which runs from 1st April 2015 until 31st March 2016, Epping Town Council consider requests for Grant Funding twice a year. In the first six months, £2500 of grant funding was awarded to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to assist with their new premises in Hemnall St. Deadlines for the next applications are 1st March 2016. Full details are available on our website under Services and Grants.

You will find a downloadable application form and the eligilbility criteria. For more information, contact us on 01992 579444.

EPPING FOREST DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUS Coming soon….. we are planning to open our new Epping office at 51A Hemnall Street in April 2016.

Epping residents can use our Loughton branch (new home at Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton, IG10 1HD). You will find us on the first floor of the Library. There is a lift available for disabled access/parents with buggies.

Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Weds and Fri from 9.30 to 1.00. You can also telephone Essex Citizens Advice Monday to Friday 10.00 to 4.00 on 0344 477 0808 or visit the website at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk Info & advice available on: Benefits, Family, Debt & Money, Law & Rights, Discrimination, Housing, Consumer Issues, Employment, Education, Health, Tax, Immigration.

Roding Valley U3A COMMUNITY GARDENING U3A (University of the Third Age) provides opportunities for retired PROJECT and semi-retired people to come together to share interests and MARKET GARDEN TERRACE learn from and with each other. ‘University’ is used in its original (OPPOSITE M&S) sense of coming together to learn and no qualifications are asked for or given. Roding Valley U3A was formed 10 years ago from the designed by Epping in Bloom waiting list of Epping Forest U3A. Roding Valley U3A has more than WE NEED YOUR HELP! 40 interest groups, many of which meet in members’ homes across Calling builders, gardeners, residents, the district and also in Theydon Bois Village Hall and the Jack Silley churches, schools to help is with this Pavilion. Groups also go to the Royal Festival Hall, the National scheme to develop a new Gallery, West End theatres and varied destinations for the monthly COMMUNITY GARDEN outing. The Royal Institution holds an annual lecture just for U3A Email: eppinginbloom@gmail.com members. Shared Learning Projects provide opportunities for members to work with institutions such the British Museum on research type projects. There is so much to do. Why not join?

There are 974 U3As in the UK including new ones at Buckhurst Hill The Probus Club (for retired and semi and Waltham Abbey. Contact Janet Whitehouse, Vicechairman of Roding Valley U3A: 01992 812503 or janet.whitehouse7@gmail.com retired men) meets monthly at the Lindsey Street Community Association, Frampton Road, Epping, for lunch and talk.

Crossword answers from Talk About Epping, Winter 2015 Contact Mr Hilary Dodd on 01992 560381.

Across: 1 Roding, 4 Actual, 7 Red, 8 Cattle, 10 Roll, 12 Winston, 16 Stand, 17 Teams, 18 Eight, 19 Genoa, 21 Event, 23 Closure, EPPING FARMERS’ MARKETS 27 Hill. 28 Hatter, 30 Gee, 31 Agatha, 32 Rotary.

COMING SOON! Down: 1 Race, 2 Dot, 3 Green, 4 Adult, 5 Throne, 6 Allotment, Look out for details as they become 9 Town, 11 Streaming, 13 Ideal, 14 Sighs, 15 Otter, 20 Ocelot, available.

22 Vent, 24 Omega, 25 Usher, 26 Grey, 29 Tea.

Probus Club

Thank you to David Jackman, Everything Epping Forest, for his pictures in this issue.

TAE Spring 2016 issue Final issue.qxp_Talk 26/01/2016 15:53 Page 12

INVITATION

EPPING TOWN COUNCIL

FROM EPPING TOWN COUNCIL

Members - Hemnall Ward Cllr Mrs D Baird Cllr A Church Cllr Mrs B Scruton Cllr D Spillman Cllr Miss H Whitbread Cllr J Whitehouse

dbairdy@hotmail.com 01992 572235 01992 572333 drjspillman@gmail.com holly.whitbread@btinternet.com 01992 561875

Cllr N Avey Cllr L Burrows Cllr H Pegrum Cllr G Scruton Cllr J A Smith Cllr M Wright

nigel.avey@btinternet.com 01992 572003 01992 572173 Grscruton@gmail.com 01992 577168 07768 521084

The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Friday 11th March 2016 at 8pm at Epping Hall. Come and talk to your Town Councillors and other guests about things that concern you in Epping.

Hot and cold drinks will be served.

Members - St John’s Ward

Forthcoming Meetings

February 2016

March 2016

Other Local Representatives

EFDC Cllr Chris Whitbread (01992 573557) chris.whitbread@btinternet.com EFDC Cllr A Church (01992 572235) EFDC Cllr N Avey nigel.avey@btinternet.com EFDC Cllr Will Breare-Hall (01992 575843) wsbh@hotmail.co.uk EFDC & ECC Cllr Jon Whitehouse (01992 561875) jon@jonwhitehouse.org.uk EFDC Cllr Janet Whitehouse (01992 812503) cllrjanetwhitehouse@gmail.com Mrs Eleanor Laing MP (020 8508 6608) Eleanor.laing.mp@parliament.uk

Talk About Epping Deadline Dates Articles for the next edition of Talk About Epping must be submitted before 15th April 2016. Submissions should be sent to: Epping Town Council, Epping Hall, St John’s Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5JU, or sent via email to: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk clearly marked ‘Talk About Epping’ The editor may amend copy appropriately.

Invitations for the Mayor

If you are organising an event which you would like the Mayor or a representative of the Town Council to attend, please contact: Mrs Doreen Kennedy. Tel: 01992 579444 or email: dkennedy@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk

For more stories, visit our website:

www.eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk or follow us on twitter: @eppingtown

April 2016 May 2016 A

23 Planning 19.30 Corp Gov 20.15 8 Planning 19.30 COUNCIL 20.15 11 ANNUAL 20.00 TOWN MEETING 22 Planning 19.30 12 Planning 19.30 COUNCIL 20.15 26 Planning 19.30 10 Planning 19.30 ANNUAL COUNCIL 20.30 24 Planning 19.30

FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING - SEE WEBSITE FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR 2015/16 & BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR 2016/17

Service & Committee Support Loan payments Grants Events & Publications Public Halls Market Cemetery Parks & Maintenance Public Toilet Allotments Street Furniture Leases Capital Projects Neighbourhood Planning War Memorial Total Less Transfer to (+) from (-) reserves PRECEPT + LCTS GRANT

2015/16 2016/17 GROSS NET GROSS NET 179730 179610 174638 173738 102416 102416 102416 102416 5300 5300 4500 4500 25750 22250 35600 32300 41474 -26 44355 -3145 63735 -21265 67170 -17830 6425 -37575 6320 -31180 180929 168207 175560 169010 6620 6620 7330 7330 1250 -1050 800 -1600 2300 2300 2300 2300 1101 -2699 1151 -2649 20000 20000 5000 5000 100 100 617030 424088 647240 460290

16547 440635

-20 460270

178861 78396 57699 2500 2838 20047 40000 9000 389341

161825 78396 49699 6393 1558 10000 40000 13500 361371

FINANCIAL RESERVES (YEAR END) General Fund Asset Fund Capital Fund Election Fund War Memorial Fund Vandalism Fund Stonards Hill Project Fund Christmas Lights Total reserves

TALK ABOUT EPPING is published by EPPING TOWN COUNCIL, Epping Hall, St John’s Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5JU Tel: 01992 579444 Fax: 01992 579446 email: info@eppingtowncouncil.gov.uk